Treating Toenail Fungus with Lamisil

Patients are often coming to our office asking about the different treatment options for their toenail fungus. Some of them are very good candidates for the oral medication, Lamisil. Lamisil, or terbenifine, is an oral tablet that is taken once a day for three months. The active ingredient is metabolized in the liver and can remain in the body for up to 9 months after you take it. Studies have shown that it can be up to 60-70% effective in the treatment of topical

nychomycosis (nail fungus).

I don’t typically recommend Lamisil for the following patients:

· If you have to take medications like Coumadin, Statin Drugs (Cholesterol medications) or oral contraceptives (Birth Control Pills) - these medications are also metabolized in the liver and can interact with the Lamisil

· If you have chronic liver disease or cirrhosis of the liver

· If you have elevated liver enzymes (we take a blood test before starting treatment and ½ through the course of treatment to check liver enzymes).

It is important to remember that all onychomycosis treatment options are part of a comprehensive plan to clinically cure the problem. It is very possible to become reinfected with toenail fungus after successful treatment. Proper maintenance with topical treatments will go a long way in keeping your toenails looking great even after you have finished oral medications or laser treatments for fungal nails!